Dogs will give a warning growl in situations involving things like resource guarding, stranger danger, feeling cornered, or feeling stressed. Dogs use these warning growls to communicate to you or another animal to “back off” because they are uncomfortable.
Bottom Line: When your dog growls at you I recommend that you listen to what your dog is saying. Immediately stop doing whatever it is that you're doing and move away.
Stop whatever it is you're doing or the person/animal eliciting the growl is doing. If you know that your dog growls right before a bite, then move away and get safe. If you know the growl doesn't mean a bite is imminent, stop what you are doing.
This type of growl with a low volume and a deep, rumbling sound usually happens when a dog feels scared, possessive, or threatened. It is a warning growl that indicates their discomfort in a particular situation.
Straight off the bat you should be correcting your dog's growling and/or snapping with a firm “no” at the onset of the behavior. When he stops growling, reward him with a “good boy”, or in the beginning, a treat if it's handy at the exact moment of training so that he knows what he is being rewarded for.
Dogs will give a warning growl in situations involving things like resource guarding, stranger danger, feeling cornered, or feeling stressed. Dogs use these warning growls to communicate to you or another animal to “back off” because they are uncomfortable.
There are multiple reasons that a dog may exhibit aggression toward family members. The most common causes include conflict aggression, fear-based, defensive aggression, status related aggression, possessive aggression, food guarding aggression and redirected aggression.
It simply means they're having a great time. Your dog might even growl during a particularly pleasing cuddle or patting session. Many dogs growl talk to communicate contentment or as a greeting. These types of growls simply indicate happiness.
Most dogs assume a neutral or submissive role toward people, but some dogs will challenge their owners for dominance. A dominant dog may stare, bark, growl, snap, or even bite when you give him a command or ask him to give up a toy, treat, or resting place.
Handle an aggressive dog appropriately.
Stop as soon as a dog begins barking or growling and talk to it in a calm, soothing voice. Never turn your back on an aggressive dog. If it pivots around you, keep turning so you're facing the dog. Do not run from an aggressive dog.
A Growl is a Communication Effort
Most dogs don't want to bite or fight. The behaviors that signal pending aggression are intended first and foremost to warn away a threat. The dog who doesn't want to bite or fight tries his hardest to make you go away.
In one posture, hold the pup over your head, firmly supporting him with both hands and stare into his eyes (staring is a dominant behavior to the dog). Maintain this position until the pup has been still for 10 seconds. He must be still for that length of time or he hasn't submitted to you.
Dogs will also growl when they are feeling frightened or stressed out. Most of the time this is a warning before the dog reacts aggressively. Although a dog may not always snap or bite after growling from fear or stress, it is still always best to be cautious.
Growling – Sometimes dogs will growl during play, but these growls are accompanied with loose, relaxed body language. When growling is followed by any of the above behaviors, or is a deep and low, it may be a sign of aggressive behavior that needs to be addressed.
Aggression from jealousy can be seen in a variety of forms including, growling, lunging, biting, and sometimes attacking. This behavior could come when you least expect it and can be directed at humans or pets.
The safest and most effective way to treat an aggression problem is to implement behavior modification under the guidance of a qualified professional. Modifying a dog's behavior involves rewarding her for good behavior—so you'll likely be more successful if your dog enjoys praise, treats and toys.
Most scientific studies indicate that it is very possible to rehabilitate a dog after they bite another dog or person.
If your dog charges or growls at your spouse, don't punish this behavior. It's like teaching a child never to say “no” when he's scared. Boundaries are important in life, so respect your dog's boundaries too. Instead, your spouse should turn away and ignore your dog.
“My dog is aggressive towards me but not my husband” is surprisingly a common comment I hear from clients. The reason why is either due to 1) Lack Of Early Socialization 2) Trauma or 3) Trust.
Displaying Aggression
If your dog is possessive of an object, such as his toys or food bowl, he will give you a hard stare and growl as warnings to back off. If your dog gives you this stare, slowly back away, and do not continue the stare. Aggressive stares signal a behavioral problem.
If your dog sees you as the alpha, they will permit you to eat first and refrain from snatching or stealing food. This is a sign of respect. In your home, you set your dog's feeding schedule. If your pup sees you as the alpha, he or she will patiently wait for food or subtly ask for table scraps.
Dog growling is simply a method of communication – it's your dog trying to tell you something. Dogs growl to communicate lots of different things, from fear and aggression to encouraging play.